Lillie Langlois

Lillie Langlois

Pennsylvania, a.k.a. Penn's Woods, is roughly 60 percent forest, with the largest unbroken block of trees spanning the state's north central region. "This region is one of Pennsylvania's greatest resources," says Penn State graduate student Lillie Langlois. Within the past six years, however, the rapid expansion of Marcellus Shale drilling has been breaking up the block. According to the state Department of Environmental Protection, as of 2012, there were more than 8,000 well permits issued and 6,000 wells drilled across the state. The resulting infrastructure impacts wildlife.